'Fadeout' by Joseph Hansen follows the story of Dave Brandstetter, an insurance investigator dealing with the loss of his long-time partner. Set in Southern California, the novel presents a mystery where Brandstetter must uncover the truth behind a local celebrity's disappearance to validate a life insurance claim. Through tight, expressive prose, the author unravels buried secrets, relationships, and prejudices within the small town, all while depicting Brandstetter's own journey of grief and investigation. The writing style effectively sets up a bleak atmosphere, intertwining the detective's personal struggles with the mystery he is trying to solve.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Medium content warnings, particularly regarding themes of grief, loss, and instances of homophobia.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present, primarily tied to the protagonist's past relationships and the emotional weight of his loss.
From The Publisher:
Fadeout is the first of Joseph Hansen's twelve classic mysteries featuring rugged Dave Brandstetter, an insurance investigator who is contentedly gay. When entertainer Fox Olson's car plunges off a bridge in a storm, a death claim is filed, but where is Olson's body? As Brandstetter questions family, fans, and detractors, he grows certain Olson is still alive and that Dave must find him before the would-be killer does. Suspenseful and wry, shrewd and deeply felt, Fadeout remains as fresh today as when it startled readers more than thirty years ago.
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About the Author:
Joseph Hansen (1923-2004) was the author of more than twenty-five novels and a renowned short story writer. The winner of the 1992 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, Hansen was also the author of A Smile in his Lifetime, Living Upstairs, Job's Year, and Bohannon's Country.
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